Transnational Organized Crime Reward Program for Two Russian Citizens and Sanctions Against Illegal Russian Virtual Currency Exchanges and Cybercrime Facilitator

The Department of State is announcing reward offers under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program of up to $10 million per individual for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of Timur Shakhmametov and Sergey Ivanov for participation in, conspiracy to participate in, and attempted participation in transnational organized crime. Separate reward offers of up to $1 million per individual are also being offered for information leading to the identification of other leaders of the criminal marketplace Joker’s Stash (other than Shakhmametov), ​​as well as the identification of other key leaders of the transnational criminal groups UAPS, PM2BTC, and PinPays (other than Ivanov).

At the same time, the Treasury Department sanctions Ivanov and Russian virtual currency exchange Cryptex, and issues an order identifying PM2BTC as a “primary money laundering concern” linked to Russian illicit financing. These actions are part of a coordinated international effort to disrupt Russian cybercrime services and are being taken in conjunction with actions by other U.S. government agencies and international law enforcement partners.

According to the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Shakhmametov allegedly used the moniker “JokerStash” in his capacity as the creator/operator of Joker’s Stash, one of the most profitable online marketplaces for stolen credit card details and compromised personally identifiable information. Ivanov laundered the proceeds from Joker’s Stash. USSS alleges that Ivanov has been a trusted, long-term provider of money laundering services to top-tier cybercriminals since approximately 2005.

Today’s actions underscore the United States’ commitment, along with our allies and partners, to not allow cybercrime facilitators to operate with impunity. We will continue to use all of our tools and powers to deter and expose these money laundering networks and impose costs on the cybercriminals and their enabling networks. We reiterate our call for Russia to take concrete steps to prevent cybercriminals from operating freely in its jurisdiction.

Today’s reward offer has been authorized by the Secretary under the The Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Programwhich supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime worldwide and bring fugitives to justice. If you have information, please contact the USSS via email at [email protected]. If you are outside the United States, you may also visit the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are in the United States, you may also contact the local USSS office in your city. Today’s Department of the Treasury sanctions are based on Executive Order (EO) 13694as amended by EO 13757And EO number 14024For more information, see Treasury’s press release.

ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. Government officials and employees are not eligible for rewards.